Abstract
Examining nonsuicidal self-injury features as motivational moderators in the relationship between hopelessness and suicide ideation
Brausch, A.M., Muehlenkamp, J.J., Fergerson, A.K., Laves, E.H., Whitfield, M.B., & Clapham, R.B.
Objective
Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is a robust predictor of suicide ideation and attempts, but it is not clear how and why this connection is so strong. Using the Integrated Motivational-Volitional Model of suicide as a framework, select features of NSSI were examined as motivational moderators between hopelessness and suicide ideation.
Method
Data were collected from 420 emerging adults (mean age = 18.9; 84% female, 92% white), all of whom had past-year NSSI. Participants completed self-report measures that assessed NSSI and suicide history, effectiveness of NSSI in achieving functions, and hopelessness; they also completed the self-injury Implicit Association Test (IAT).
Results
Moderation analyses revealed that none of the interactions were significant. Additional analyses tested unconditional effects of all predictor variables and found hopelessness, self-rated future likelihood of engaging in NSSI, effectiveness of NSSI in achieving intrapersonal functions, and self-injury IAT scores were each significantly associated with suicide ideation.